Northants businesses issue plea in wake of Article 50 being triggered

The county’s chamber of commerce has called for an end to political posturing over Brexit, on the day the UK formally notifies the EU of its intention to leave.

Commenting on the triggering of Article 50 by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, Paul Griffiths, chief executive of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Now that Brexit negotiations are set to begin, businesses across Northamptonshire and their trading partners in Europe want answers to practical questions, not political posturing.

“A pragmatic and grown-up dialogue on the real-world issues, rather than verbal volleys between London and Brussels, would give firms greater confidence over the next two years.

“In the early weeks of the negotiation process, businesses would like to see an effort to secure simultaneous exit and trade talks.

“Concluding exit and trade negotiations at the same time would moderate adjustment costs for UK businesses, and enable trade between UK and EU firms to continue with less disruption.”

On business expectations beyond Brexit, Mr Griffiths added: “It is crucial for the Prime Minister and her government to remember Brexit is not the only thing on the minds of UK businesses.

“Issues here at home, from the training system to sky-high business rates and up-front costs, still need to be addressed.

“Businesses would not look kindly on a government that treats Brexit as its only job.

“Getting the fundamentals right here in the UK is as important as, if not more important than, any eventual Brexit deal.”